Youth left us when
We learned about independence
And said our last good-byes.
We outgrew carelessness
And wandered into the
Vast world of responsibility.
We never thought
To turn around
And see what used to be ours.

Fleeting images of stumbles
Down paths worn
From rubber bicycle tires.
Memories of climbing up trees
Carved with the initials of
Forever friendship oath-takers.
Recollections of stones skipping
Through waters swirling blue
From melted popsicles.
Flashbacks of games
Played on the green fields of
Everlasting laughter.

We now seek the return
Of our glorious days of
Agility and curiosity.
All of these years have passed
Since days of running
Freely through time.
Memories will remain
Yet the feelings will never
Grace our souls again.
We can only hope for our own
Descendants to live the life of
Free children.